Newen Studios, the content division of leading French media company TF1, has launched a new digital first division called Newen Digital. Underlining the TV industry’s growing interest in non-traditional media opportunities, the nascent business will serve as “an innovation lab”, looking to generate value for Newen Group through digital production and distribution.
With a remit covering social platforms and the AVOD (Advertising Video On Demand) and FAST (Free Ad-Supported TV) markets, Newen Digital will have two principle goals, as reported by The Drop. Firstly, to support digital extensions and original content made by the Newen Group’s production companies. Secondly, to distribute IP from Newen Connect’s content catalogues and digital first initiatives on digital platforms in both France and internationally.
The new business will be spearheaded by Olivier Levard, who has been promoted to director. He said: “With the creation of Newen Digital, we aim to put a team of digital platform experts at the disposal of all the group’s production units as we seek to drive forward content created by our teams as well as our partners into the digital space at the same time as creating new IP for these platforms. The business will be focused on delivering against our digital ambitions and seeking out new audiences.”
Newen Digital is the culmination of a shift towards digital first that began in 2022. At that time, Newen Studios brought oversight of its digital channels in-house and recruited digital experts to launch its MCN (Multi-Channel Network) on YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat and TikTok, resulting in 250 million views on YouTube in the first year through channels like Faites entrer l’accusé, Plus Belle La Vie, L’Effet Papillon and 100% DOCS. Plus Belle La Vie is a long-running French soap that is now being streamed on YouTube.
Going forward, via Newen Digital, Newen Studios is looking to broaden its ambition by offering these services to all production companies within the group and by expanding its MCN into international markets.
Newen Studios is a leading player in global production and distribution. The company is present in 11 territories via 50 production firms and creative labels, with expertise across film, scripted, documentaries, entertainment and animation. The company’s shows, as well as third-party productions, are exported worldwide through distribution subsidiary, Newen Connect.
